A human skeleton has been found in a bush at Miliya Village, Traditional Authority Phalula, Balaka District.
According to police spokesperson, inspector Gladson M’bumpha, the remains were found by a woman identified as Joyce Khwinda (30) from Tchona Village in the same area.
He told Malawi24 that on Saturday, Khwinda was on her way to fetch firewood around 6 a.m. when she heard dogs barking in a nearby bush. Out of curiosity, M’bumpha say, the woman went closer and was horrified to see the dogs feeding on what appeared to be human remains.
She immediately alerted Village Headman Miliya, who later reported the matter to Phalula Police Unit.
A team of police officers and medical personnel from Balaka District Hospital rushed to the scene to examine the remains.
“The clinical officer who accompanied the team confirmed that the bones were indeed of a human being.However, due to the advanced state of decomposition, the caused of death could not be determined,” said M’bumpha.
He added that police have since launched an investigation to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death.
He said: “We are appealing to members of the community, especially those around Phalula, to check if they have any missing relatives and report to the nearest police station.”
Meanwhile, the remains have been taken to Balaka District Hospital for further examination as investigations continue.
